International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 7, Issue 6, June 2017 228 ISSN 2250-3153 KashmiriLanguage: multi-linguistic approach, issues and role of media in its accomplishments Firdous Hameed Parey Research Scholar CAS, Department of History Aligarh Muslim University Email: [email protected] Abstract: The study of Kashmiri Language and its culture has remained the topic of research and interest for a very long time. It has been extensively studied by the foreign writers, authors, scholars, and has equally remained an interest of national and local intelligentsia. Although a lot of research has been carried out on different aspects of Kashmiri culture, from linguistic points of view but how to save this language, has been neglected so far. It was in this back drop, that the idea to carry out the present study was conceived. The objective of the present study is to analyze the impact of other languages like Sanskrit, Persian, Urdu and English on Kashmiri language. An attempt is made to throw light on different dimensions of cultural lexicon of Kashmiri Language and study the changes which it has undergone in the past. These influences came through the contact and borrowing. This paper also highlights the role of media, both electronic and print media in saving this native language. In this study some constructive remedial measures are provided to save Kashmiri language. Key Words: Kashmiri Language (KL), Media, Sanskrit, Jammu and Kashmir. Introduction: Kashmiri language (KL) popularly known as “Kashur” by its inhabitant speakers in the valley of the Kashmir. It is numerically minority language. In other languages( e.g Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi,Tamil, the language is called Kāshmiri ). The “Kashur” and its dialects are spoken in an approximately 10,000 square miles area, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. English variants spelling include kaschamiri, cashmiri etc.[1] It is a fact that Kashmiri ranks first among the native languagesof the state, comprising majority number of speakers, with Dogri in second and Gujari in third positon, followed by Punjabi, Bodhi, Balti, Dardi. The KL is one of the 22 scheduled languages of the India and has been included in the 8thschedule of constitution of India. There are approximately 5,527,698 speakers of KL, as per census of India 2001.[2] www.ijsrp.org International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 7, Issue 6, June 2017 229 ISSN 2250-3153 Debate on origin of language There has been a prolonged scholarly debate, on origin and linguistic affinity KL. Discussions are on issues, as whether Kashmiri is affiliated to the Indo-Aryan or Dardic familyof languages. Grierson,considers Kashmiri a “mixed language” of a Sanskrit of speech. According to him, Kashmir belongs to the Dardic group of Pisacha family allied to Shina. He identifies several linguistic feature that are Pisacha shares with Iranian. Therefore, Grierson argues, kashmiri must be treated as a Dardic language.[3] However, his theory of Kashmiri belonging to the Dardic branch of language has been rejected by the insider scholars of Kashmir. Most of the linguistic analytical study conducted in Kashmir during the past forty years, have find out that Kashmiri bears close resemblance to Sanskrit languages, thereby testifying to close civilizationcontacts and ties between Kashmir and India since ancient times. Grierson, who has misleadingly adopted the religious distinction between Hindu Kashmir and Muslim Kashmiri has actually followed the colonial approach towards non-European societies.Though it is very hard to know the exact origin of a language, linguists still try to locate it by studying its evolution in history at which point they make conclusion about its roots. The same can be said about Kashmir language. The history of language is rooted in the changing faiths and strategic geographic location of the valley of Kashmir. The language has developed out of Sanskrit and old Indo-Aryan language and has lastly been influenced by Persian and Arabic languages. Kashmiri Language: Its multi-linguistic approach The language of literally culture in Kashmir at various periods of its history has been, essentially, Persian, Urdu, Hindi, and much latter to a smaller extent English.The Kashmiri language was never in competition with any of these languages of wider communication. In fact, the KL had a lower status than other languages of power and functionally. It had very restricted domains. The main reason of its decay was attitude of administration of state and indeed attitude of Kashmiris themselves towards their own language. There are different sources which make it clear the influence of other languages on this language. Following headings showed clearly this impact: 1. Impact of Sanskrit: Sanskrit has played an important role in the development of all Indian languages and in the preservation of the cultural heritage of India. Kashmiri language also consists of a good number of words from Sanskrit. Until the middle of fourteenth century when Islam made its firm establishment in www.ijsrp.org International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 7, Issue 6, June 2017 230 ISSN 2250-3153 the valley, it has been an important cultural language from 300 BC.Due to extra ordinary importance of Sanskrit, it was but natural for Kashmir to have been impressed by Sanskrit languages, literature and culture. The Sanskrit words have either in their original shape or in the modified form become an integral part of the Lexical property of Kashmir.[4] The words from Sanskrit language have nowadays become an integral part of Kashmiri language. The words that are derived from Sanskrit sources are as: “Ma:ma” mothers brother is used as ma:m and kirma:caste is used as Kram in Kashmiri language, Kangir- fire pot, kh:andar- marriage, Maharaz:z- bridegroom etc. The above examples make it clear about the significant influence of Sanskrit on the cultural lexicon of Kashmiri in different spheres like marriage, kinship etc. [5] 2. Influence of Persian: “The influence of Persian on Kashmiri language dates back to the entry of some Islamic missionaries and tradesmen into the valley.”[6] Their influence is significantly visible in every aspect of Kashmiri life, whether art and crafts, dress, diet, architecture, music manners and customs. It has played an important role in the formation of present culture of Kashmir. Due to the strong influence of this language Kashmir came to be known as Iran-e-Sagar(Small iron). Masoodi says that the present dress of the majority of the people of Kashmir like Pheran, Qemize, Shalwar,Sadri, Choga etc. owe their introduction to the Persian influence. The head dress of Kashmiri women called Qasab and Burka was introduced by Persian immigrants. The modern Kashmiri Wazwaanwhich constitute such like Yakhni, Rista, Qabab, Tabakmaz etc. also found way in the valley for the first time during the during the period of Sultans and the credit to popularizing there dishes goes to Persian immigrant.[7] In brief, the above statement shows that word Kashmir has a huge collection of words belonging to the categories of art, music, drama, architecture and other spheres of life. 3. Impact of Urdu: In Kashmir, Urdu hold a great importance. It is the official language of Jammu And Kashmir State. Urdu has played a dominant role in Kashmir, whether it is education, administration or media etc.Srinagar branch of Doordarshan broadcasts different programmes in Urdu which includes news,dramas, songs and other programmes also. Similarly Radio Kashmir Srinagar mostly broadcasts programmes in Urdulanguage. The print media of Kashmir is also influenced by Urdu. Different Urdu words are in daily use in kashmiri such as : www.ijsrp.org International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 7, Issue 6, June 2017 231 ISSN 2250-3153 Da: da- paternal grandfather. Na: na- maternal grandfather. Da: di- paternal grandmother. Di: di- sister. Bayya- brother. Above mentioned words are presently used in Kashmiri language showed influence of Urdu as well. 4. Impact of English: English is the language that has acquired the status of a global language. The influence of English on Kashmiri language is outcome of the language contact between the Britishers and the Kashmiris, setting up educational institutions and also the use of English in administration etc.“A large number of English borrowing words were adopted in Kashmiri unchanged, which included the words for foreign innovations, European dresses, medicines, games and sports etc. The borrowing words like radio, bus, car, houseboat,and hotel etc. started frequent use in Kashmir as such these words did not exist in Kashmir earlier. Accomplishment and challenges: During the last half century Kashmir has lost many things. Dal Lake may be one of the most damaging losses as it has been a symbol of Kashmir, the Paradise on earth. The lush green forest cover has been lost to the greed of both locals and outsiders. A community which has formed a part and parcel of Kashmir psyche for centuries has been virtually lost, but still greater loss is native language whether in Kashmir or outside. The loss of a language means loss of identity.[8] The highest misfortune is that Kashmiris are themselves responsible in destroying the language especially from their homes. The more they progressed towards so called modern education the more they this language neglect and giving emphasis on English and Urdu.Inalmost every place all over the world people in speaking their native tongue. On contrary, in Kashmir, peopleboost to use non-native languages. In many cases the children are not able to speak mother tongue. It is interesting to note www.ijsrp.org International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 7, Issue 6, June 2017 232 ISSN 2250-3153 that even the famous internet search engine Google has introduced Kashmiri as one of the languages.